A Nigerian Army Colonel, Abdussalam Ude, has been killed at his residence in the Phase 5 Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, Abuja, after gunmen carried out an attack believed to have been linked to a failed abduction attempt.

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) confirmed the death of the senior officer, stating that the incident occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026.

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Earlier reports indicated that Colonel Ude was shot after resisting armed men who attempted to abduct him from his home. The attackers were also reported to have injured his wife, driver and security guard during the incident.

In a statement signed by its Acting Assistant Director, Protocol, J.E. Oti, the DIA said security and law enforcement agencies had begun a full investigation into the attack.

The agency pledged that efforts were underway to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killing.

“The Agency is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly investigated,” the statement said.

The DIA described Ude as a dedicated military officer who served Nigeria with “exceptional dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment” to national defence and security.

During his career, Colonel Ude held several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism roles, including assignments linked to operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-east as well as international intelligence duties in Chad and France.

The officer, who was from Enugu State, was reportedly due for promotion to the rank of brigadier general in 2027.

Following the attack, security agencies are expected to intensify investigations into the motive behind the killing and track those responsible.

Also read: Ogun police arrest cattle theft suspects, foil abduction along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Colonel Ude was buried on Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja according to Islamic funeral rites, with military colleagues and family members paying their respects.